When the porridge was finally deemed ready by a passing soldier with a critical sniff, a wave of exhausted relief washed over Peizhi.
A young guard with a surprisingly kind face and mannerisms helped her portion the food into wooden bowls for the men.
"I'll handle the rest of the distribution". He assured her calmly. "You can take this one to the Lord Commander."
Peizhi could only nod gratefully , too tired to speak.
She wiped her sweaty brow with her sleeve, unknowningly leaving a new smear of ash and carried the bowl carefully through the maze of tents.
After a while of dragging her tired legs, she finally arrived at the tent she'd been directed to, its entrance flanked by two silent guards who nodded her inside.
The space within was spartan but orderly. Maps were rolled on a table, a few books were stacked neatly and a single oil lamp cast a warm, flickering glow in the room.
And there he was.
